Visa options for moving to Australia at 70
While general skilled migration visas are typically limited to applicants under 45, family-based visas provide a pathway for older individuals to join their children in Australia. The main options for a person over 70 are the non-contributory and contributory Aged Parent visas, with different costs and waiting periods. Eligibility is contingent on meeting specific criteria, including having a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Aged Parent visa (Subclass 804)
This is a permanent visa for parents who are old enough to be granted the Australian Age Pension. It is an onshore application, meaning you must be in Australia (but not in immigration clearance) when you apply and when the visa is decided. This visa is significantly cheaper than the contributory options but comes with a much longer waiting period, currently estimated at around 30 years. While waiting, you will be granted a Bridging Visa that allows you to remain in Australia lawfully.
Requirements for the Aged Parent visa (Subclass 804):
- Be sponsored by an eligible Australian child, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Meet the 'Balance of Family Test,' meaning at least half of your children must live permanently in Australia.
- Have reached the Australian Age Pension age (currently 67).
- Pass the mandatory health and character requirements.
- Have an Assurance of Support in place, a financial guarantee from your sponsor.
Contributory Aged Parent visa (Subclass 864 and 884)
For those who can afford it, the contributory stream offers a permanent visa with a substantially shorter waiting time, typically 5 to 6 years. The higher application fee and bond are designed to cover potential healthcare costs. There are two pathways for this visa:
- Two-step process: You can first apply for the temporary Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 884), which lasts for two years and allows you to spread the significant costs over time.
- One-step process: Apply directly for the permanent Contributory Aged Parent visa (Subclass 864).
This visa also requires you to be in Australia (but not in immigration clearance) for both application and decision.
Requirements for the Contributory Aged Parent visa:
- Sponsored by an eligible Australian child, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Meet the 'Balance of Family Test'.
- Be old enough to qualify for the Australian Age Pension.
- Pass mandatory health and character requirements.
- Secure an Assurance of Support and pay the substantial visa application fees and contributions.
Other possible options
- Partner visa: If you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, a Partner visa (subclass 820 and 801) is an option. It has no upper age limit.
- Distinguished Talent visa: For individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research. This is a difficult visa to obtain and requires an eligible nominator.
- Skills in Demand (SID) visa: While primarily for skilled workers, this temporary visa has no age limit for applicants with critical expertise in specified industries.
Comparison of parent visa options at 70
| Feature | Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) | Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 864) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Much lower application fees | Substantially higher application fees and contributions |
| Waiting time | Very long (approx. 30 years) | Significantly shorter (approx. 5-6 years) |
| Application location | Must be in Australia to apply | Must be in Australia to apply |
| Financial burden | Less costly, but still requires an Assurance of Support | Much higher financial burden due to fees and contributions |
| Permanent residency | Granted upon decision after long wait | Granted upon approval after shorter wait |
| Onshore bridging visa | Granted, allowing you to stay in Australia while waiting | Granted, allowing you to stay in Australia while waiting |
Important considerations and conclusion
Moving to Australia at 70 is achievable, but it requires careful planning and significant financial resources, especially for those without an eligible child to sponsor them. The most common path is through a Parent or Aged Parent visa, but even these can be prohibitively expensive or involve lengthy waits. Temporary options like the Partner or Skills in Demand visas may also be applicable in certain circumstances.
Regardless of the visa pathway, all applicants must meet Australia's health and character requirements. Health checks are mandatory and can be more rigorous for older applicants, particularly if there are pre-existing conditions that could incur significant healthcare costs for the Australian community.
It is highly recommended to consult with a registered migration agent or an immigration lawyer to assess your specific situation and navigate the complexities of the application process. For further information and a comprehensive visa list, you can consult the official Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while age can be a limiting factor for skilled migration, moving to Australia at 70 is not impossible. Family-sponsored visas, such as the Aged Parent and Contributory Aged Parent visas, offer viable paths for permanent residency, although they come with substantial costs, financial requirements, and potentially very long waiting periods. Thorough preparation, meeting all health and character requirements, and seeking expert advice are crucial steps for anyone looking to retire in Australia at this age.
